Business
Profit-takings in blue chip counters put an end to bourse’s bullish run
By Hiran H.Senewiratne
The CSE turned negative yesterday having traded with a bullish run for 12 consecutive days due to profit- takings of many counters, especially blue-chip counters. This development could be considered as the market correction, stock market analysts said.
Sri Lanka’s shares fell over 1 per cent in mid-day trade, pulled down by retail shares after gaining for 13 sessions. The main All- Share Price Index fell 0.82 per cent or 75.55 points to 9,115.97 during the middle of the session.
“On selected shares there is profit- taking but overall the market rose about 2200 points in the last 12 sessions, so we were seeing investors shifting into energy and plantation sector shares from the usual Expolanka, Browns Investments, Browns, LOLC and LOLC Finance, a top analyst said.
In the past few weeks, Lanka IOC and plantation sector shares pushed the index up. Lanka IOC stocks became most sought after and owing to the acute fuel shortage they had enough sales and have recorded high profits, while plantation sector stocks increased due to the dollar appreciation against the rupee, market analysts said.
“There is also a reaction in the banking sector counters as well with the banks adjusting for the ISB restructuring and also higher impairments in the sector. Therefore, we are seeing a selloff in banking counters too, analysts said.
The indices however were a bit subdued due to profit- taking. The ASPI gained by 1.8 per cent and the S&P SL20 improved by 0.8 per cent. The All- Share Price Index went down by 105.2 points and S and P SL20 declined by 60.2 points. Turnover stood at Rs 5.4 billion with two crossings. Those crossings were reported in Hunas Falls, which crossed 1.4 million shares to the tune of Rs 54.7 million, its shares trading at Rs 40 and Hela Apparel 3.7 million shares crossed to the tune of Rs 48.9 million, its shares traded at Rs 13.
In the retail market top seven companies that mainly contributed to turnover were, Lanka IOC Rs 1.5 billion (4.8 million shares traded), Expolanka Holdings Rs 665 million (three million shares traded), Browns Investments Rs 459 million (52.1 million shares traded), ACL Cables Rs 320 million (4.2 million shares traded), LOLC Holdings Rs 141 million (230,000 shares traded), Hayleys Rs 117 million (1.1 million shares traded) and EML Consultants Rs 111 million (21 million shares traded). During the day 222 million share volumes changed hands in 42000 transactions.
It is said the market continued its run in the green; however, witnessed some profit- taking in active counters following several sessions of gains. Lanka-IOC, Expolanka and Hayleys, which have witnessed sharp gains recently, closed in the red.
It is said high net worth and institutional investor participation was noted in Lanka IOC, Melstacorp and Royal Ceramics. Mixed interest was observed in Hayleys and Vallibel One, while retail interest was noted in Browns Investments, SMB Leasing and Softlogic Capital.
The Capital Goods sector was the top contributor to the market turnover (due to Hayleys), while the sector index gained 2.86 per cent. The share price of Hayleys recorded a loss of Rs. 3.75 (3.18 per cent) to close at Rs. 114.25.
The Food, Beverage and Tobacco sector was the second highest contributor to the market turnover (due to Browns Investments and Melstacorp) while the sector index increased by 3.39 per cent. The share price of Browns Investments gained 70 cents (8.54 per cent) to close at Rs. 8.90. The share price of Melstacorp appreciated by 80 cents to close at Rs. 55.60. Separately, Lee Hedges PLC announced a cash dividend of one rupee per share.
Yesterday the Central Bank- announced US dollar buying rate was Rs 357.37 and the selling price Rs 368.68.
The Commercial Bank of Ceylon has transformed its iconic ‘Foreign Branch’ into the ‘Corporate Branch,’ reaffirming its commitment to delivering dedicated, comprehensive financial solutions to corporate and trade customers.
The Bank said this transformation represents a new milestone in its illustrious journey, and resonates with the rich commercial heritage of Colombo, a city that has long served as a vital trading hub in the region.
Strategically located at the Bank’s Head Office at Commercial House, 21, Sir Razeek Fareed Mawatha (Bristol Street), Colombo 1, this rebranded Corporate Branch stands as a first of its kind in Sri Lanka —a premier financial hub tailored exclusively to the needs of corporate customers, the Bank said. The transformation aligns with the Bank’s vision of providing unparalleled service excellence, bespoke financial solutions, and fostering long-term business partnerships.
Commenting on this strategic initiative, Commercial Bank’s Managing Director/CEO Sanath Manatunge stated: “It is our aspiration that just as the historic Delft Gateway, at which our Head Office is located, once opened the path to the Dutch Fort, our Corporate Branch will chart a new era of enduring and prosperous business collaborations, that will extend beyond Sri Lanka’s shores.”
Fits Retail has partnered with retail giant Abans PLC to showcase the iconic DeLonghi coffee machines at two of Colombo’s most prestigious locations: Abans Elite Colombo 3 and Abans Havelock City Mall showrooms.
At these dedicated demonstration zones, visitors can discover the unparalleled precision engineering and user-friendly technology that have made DeLonghi machines the preferred choice for discerning coffee lovers in more than 46 countries worldwide. Renowned for consistently delivering café-quality espresso, cappuccino, and even specialty cold brews, DeLonghi machines exemplify Italian innovation at its finest.
Yasas Kodituwakku, CEO of Fits Retail, expressed excitement about the collaboration: “This partnership represents our unwavering commitment to bringing global coffee excellence to Sri Lankan connoisseurs. With Abans PLC, we’re creating more than just demonstration spaces; we’re curating premium destinations for an authentic coffee experience.”
“As pioneers of premium lifestyle experiences in Sri Lanka, our collaboration with Fits Retail aligns seamlessly with our vision of elevating everyday moments into exceptional experiences,” said Tanaz Pestonjee, Director Business Development at Abans PLC.
Business
Members’ Night of the Sri Lanka – Russia Business Council of The Ceylon Chamber of Commerce
The Sri Lanka-Russia Business Council (SLRBC) of The Ceylon Chamber of Commerce (CCC) hosted a Members’ Night on March 27, at the Sophia Colombo City Hotel. The event, attended by His Excellency Levan S. Dzhagaryan, Ambassador of Russia to Sri Lanka, offered a valuable platform for business leaders, embassy officials, and Members to discuss and explore opportunities for deeper Sri Lanka-Russia collaboration, a CCC news release said.
SLRBC President, Mr. Jude Fernando, kicked off the evening with a speech highlighting the importance of strengthening international ties, which was followed by H.E. Dzhagaryan’s address on the need for continued engagement between the two countries. The event featured networking opportunities, allowing Members to connect with key stakeholders and discuss future business ventures, followed by a delightful dinner.
The event was made possible with the generous support of sponsors, including OCEAN 7 Logistics (Pvt) Ltd, Bally/Walkers Tours, Fibre cement associations, Ceylon Fresh Teas, SCANWELL Logistics, Regency Teas, Shan Teas, and others, whose contributions were key to its success.
The SLRBC is committed to further facilitating trade and cultural exchange between Sri Lanka and Russia, continuing to foster stronger business relationships.
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